Construction of 36 Meter Span Class ‘A’ Loading (1.5 Lane) Motor Bridge over Machhalad River (Raisera Gadera) under State Plan in Chaubattakhal Assembly Constituency, District Pauri Garhwal

Location

The proposed bridge is located in District Pauri Garhwal, under Pokhra Block, within the Chaubattakhal Legislative Assembly Constituency. The bridge is proposed over the Machhalad River (Raisera Gadera). Both sides of the bridge connects to village roads, providing an important link between rural habitations and the main road network.

Background and Problem Statement

At present, there is no motorable bridge over the Machhalad River (Raisera Gadera). Only a pedestrian suspension bridge exists. Despite the village road built both sides of the river, the motor bridge remains unconstructed, due to which both villagers and students have to travel a much longer distance, residents of Villages (Left of proposed bridge) Devradi Devi (119), Sileth (330), Paidiyar (160), Lakholi (154) and Ubot (203), along with students( More than 1500 ) of Himalayan University, face serious connectivity problems. To reach Chaubattakhal Tehsil and Market, they are forced to travel through a long alternate route, covering distance of about 41 km. Similarly, on the right side of the proposed bridge, residents of Villages Dhargaon/Naulyun (125) and Dabra (120) have to travel approximately 24.50 km to reach Pokhada Block through an indirect route. This results in increased travel time, higher transportation costs, and difficulty in accessing education, healthcare, and administrative services. The lack of a motorable bridge at this location is a major obstacle to regional connectivity and development

Project Concept and Need

With the construction of the proposed bridge, Villages ( Left Side of proposed Bridge) Ubot, Devradi Devi, and Seriyakhal, along with students of Himalayan University, will gain direct connectivity towards Chaubattakhal ( Tehsil), resulting in a reduction of approximately 20 km in travel distance. Similarly, on the right side of the proposed bridge, residents of Villages Dhargao/Bharatpur and Dabra will benefit from improved access to Pokhada Block, with a reduction of about 10 km in travel distance compared to the existing indirect route.

Key Components and Features

The project involves construction of a 36 m span Class ‘A’ loading (1.5 lane) Steel Girder Motor Bridge over the Machhalad River (Raisera Gadera) along with approach and protection works.

Expected Benefits and Outcomes

The project will result in:

All-weather connectivity for rural habitations
Reduction in travel time and transportation cost
Improved access to education, healthcare, markets, and administrative services
Better movement for students, staff, and visitors of nearby educational institutions
Faster response during emergencies and disaster situation

Current Status of the Project

The project is currently in the preliminary planning stage, with the initial focus on design and documentation. The estimated cost for Phase I, which includes the Design and Detailed Project Report (DPR) preparation, is ₹9.36 lakh. Looking ahead, the total expenditure for the construction phase is projected to be approximately ₹266.40 lakh.

Implementation Plan / Next Steps

Following the receipt of Administrative and Financial Sanction for the Stahe I Estimate, the project will transition into a comprehensive technical evaluation phase. This stage will encompass detailed site surveys, soil investigations, and hydraulic studies to inform the final bridge design and drawings. The resulting Detailed Project Report (DPR) is scheduled for submission within three months of the sanction date. Upon approval of the Stage–II DPR, construction will commence, with a projected completion timeline of 12 months.

Conclusion

The proposed 36 m span motor bridge over the Machhalad River (Raisera Gadera) in District Pauri Garhwal district will provide vital all-weather connectivity between rural villages and key service centers. It will significantly reduce travel distance and time, benefiting local residents and students of Himalayan University while improving access to education, healthcare, markets, and emergency services. With defined technical provisions, cost estimates, and a clear implementation plan, the project is both necessary and feasible, and will play an important role in strengthening regional connectivity and socio-economic development.

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